Shohei Ohtani (29, Los Angeles Angels) may be done for the season after all. Reports have surfaced that Ohtani’s locker has been emptied.
“After the game between the Angels and Detroit Tigers, Ohtani’s locker was cleaned out,” MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, reported on Saturday.
Shocker. Angels manager Phil Nevin had hinted at Ohtani’s return, but that wasn’t the case. As soon as the game was over, there was no sign of Ohtani.
The Angels would not comment on the situation, saying only that they would announce more details on Sunday.
According to the media, Ohtani did take part in pregame training that day. However, he did not play in the game. It was his 11th consecutive game without playing.
Ohtani complained of discomfort in his side during pregame training on May 5 and missed the game that day. A medical examination later revealed inflammation in his right side. It was reportedly not a serious injury. So I thought he would be back soon.
Ohtani quickly shook off the injury and started swinging, resuming indoor and light training to prepare for his return.
He was named to the starting lineup against the Seattle Mariners on April 12. But just before the game, he was removed. The pain had returned.
He ended up missing 16 games, extending his absence to 11.
The problem was that after the game, Ohtani’s locker was emptied. His bat, glove, and other items were gone. Was he really out for the season, or was he headed to the operating table?
In fact, Ohtani started the first game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds on March 24. He was pulled after just 1⅓ innings. His elbow wasn’t feeling good. He underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament. This is an injury that leads to Tommy John surgery.
At first, Ohtani didn”t have to choose between surgery or rehabilitation, but then he suffered a side injury.
The local media is also talking about the possibility of surgery.토토사이트
When Ohtani’s locker emptied, it was his teammates who were surprised. According to Japan Full Count, outfielder Brett Phillips, who entered the clubhouse after the game and saw Ohtani’s empty locker, said, “Where did he go? I didn’t know,” he said in confusion. There was no interpreter on the field that day. Ohtani reportedly left the clubhouse shortly after the game ended.
Ohtani appeared in 135 games as a hitter this season, batting .304 with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, 20 doubles, and a 1.066 OPS. With these numbers, Ohtani is now a strong MVP candidate. On the mound, he started 23 games, going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings pitched.
As Ohtani’s locker room empties, there are growing concerns about his physical condition. The possibility of a season-ending injury cannot be ignored.